Babcock Australasia has delivered ready-to-use, backpackable robot systems to enhance the Australian Defence Forces’ (ADF) counter-explosive capabilities.
The company’s Squad Packable Utility Robots (SPUR) Remote Positioning Vehicles – Light will be deployed on the ADF’s search, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions as it enhances the troops’ situational awareness and adds a layer of protection in combat zones.
The defense manufacturer collaborated with EPE, an Australian defense company, to supply an undisclosed quantity of the SPUR systems that met the service’s requirements under a 16-million Australian dollar ($10 million) contract.
Babcock is responsible for optimizing the acquisition and sustainment processes, while EPE brings its expertise in force protection and counter-chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (C-CBRNE) solutions.
“The partnership has built sustainable sovereign capability here in Australia to test, acquire, train, maintain, and sustain these important capabilities that protect our Defence personnel,” said EPE Group CEO Warwick Penrose.
Meanwhile, Babcock Australasia CEO Andrew Cridland noted that “the successful acquisition and delivery of the SPUR forms part of Babcock’s comprehensive C-CBRNE asset management services under its Prime Vendor Agreement with the ADF.”
SPUR Vehicles
QinetiQ, a long-term partner of EPE, manufactures the compact SPUR system, which feature a high-performance manipulator arm and advanced imagery.
The counter-improvised explosive device system weighs around 13 kilograms (28 pounds) with a height of 4.75 inches (12.6 centimeters) and can be deployed from a backpack in less than a minute.
Additionally, it can operate at a speed of 4.7 miles (7.56 kilometers) per hour and easily maneuver around various obstacles, including rocky, sandy, or watery terrain, culverts, and sewer pipes.
The backpackable robot is also designed to climb stairs and descend from slopes.
In 2022, the ADF first deployed the SPUR systems against CBRNE incidents.
